(June 20, 2020) A recent news article published in the Spokesman Review highlighted the fact that a suspended priest of the Diocese of Spokane, Theodore Bradley, continues to present himself as a priest in good standing – using the title “Father” and wearing clerical garb. It has been clearly communicated to the 94 year-old Bradley that he is to refrain from presenting himself as a priest. Bishop William Skylstad initially removed Theodore Bradley from priestly ministry in 1994 after an accusation of sexual misconduct by a teenage girl which was investigated and deemed credible. Using the 2002 newly created provisions of the US Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop Skylstad permanently removed Bradley from ministry that same year. This penalty means that Bradley is not to present himself as a priest, he cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments, nor may he wear priestly garb. The 2002 penalty included the order that Bradley live out the remainder of his life in private prayer and penance. Theodore Bradley was once again reminded of these severe restrictions in a 2011 letter written by Bishop Blase Cupich. After my installation as Bishop of Spokane I took the opportunity to remind Bradley of these restrictions as well.
Since the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers, our country has been roiled by protest, anger, and unrest. For so many black people this was not an isolated event. In the 2018 letter by the US Bishops Conference entitled Open Wide Our Hearts, we spoke about the sad reality of persistent racism in our country. We spoke clearly that “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love” (Open Wide Our Hearts, 3). As bishops, we recognized that racism extends beyond personal acts saying, “Racism can also be institutional, when practices or traditions are upheld that treat certain groups of people unjustly” (Open Wide Our Hearts, 5).
For those who seek to act justly, the ongoing reality of racism is troubling. Our brothers and sisters are crying out saying they have not been seen or heard. Our nation’s laws and policies have not yet achieved justice or equal protection under the law for all people. Racism is a sin, it sows division and denies our common identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, made in His image and likeness.
As Catholics, we must speak out against violence in words and actions. Justice in society will not be achieved by destruction or violence. Open Wide Our Hearts acknowledges that for many minorities “interactions with police are fraught with fear and even danger.” This sad reality can anger all of us, but the letter also makes the point in the fight for justice we must “reject harsh rhetoric that belittles and dehumanizes law enforcement personnel who labor to keep our communities safe.”
The Catholic Church has always been a champion of the marginalized, the suffering and the poor. Our hospitals, our Catholic charities, and our missionary efforts all witness to this mission of love given to us by our Lord. I urge each and every Catholic and person of goodwill to earnestly pray for justice in our society, for reforms that bring peace, bring justice and bring reconciliation.
Statement from the Diocese of Spokane Regarding the new Gonzaga School of Law Lincoln LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic
Bishop Daly is concerned about the new legal clinic at the Gonzaga Law School. While the Catholic tradition does uphold the dignity of every human being, the LGBT Rights law clinic’s scope of practice could bring the GU Law School into conflict with the religious freedom of Christian individuals and organizations. There is also a concern that Gonzaga Law School will be actively promoting, in the legal arena and on campus, values that are contrary to the Catholic faith and Natural Law. Bishop Daly and the diocese are studying the issue further and will be discussing these serious concerns with the university administration.Statement on behalf of Bishop Daly regarding Catholic Schools and a presentation by Anne McClain:
In response to Anne McClain’s presentation at Gonzaga Prep, Bishop Daly has made no declaration whether the Catholic schools in the diocese may or may not attend. In keeping with Catholic education as one of his top priorities, and valuing the principle of subsidiarity, Bishop Daly supports the pastors and principals of schools in making decisions about school activities.
Please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of William Cardinal Levada who died yesterday at the age of 83. His Eminence was the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. I served under the Cardinal as Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese and observed first hand his strong leadership and unwavering fidelity to the Church.
We were blessed to have the Cardinal here in Spokane last year as he led our diocesan Lourdes Novena for Healing at the Cathedral. May God grant him the reward of a good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.
In Christ,
Bishop Daly
Congratulations and welcome to Archbishop Paul Etienne. I’ve known Archbishop Etienne through our work together with Catholic Home Missions, as well as through the Region XII group of bishops in the United States. He is an excellent bishop and pastor; both the Archdiocese of Seattle and Archbishop Sartain will be blessed by his new ministry in Seattle.